Pre-travel vaccine recommendations require a full individualised risk assessment. The traveller should then be informed about the specificity of the vaccines they should consider and told about their benefits and limitations. They should also be made aware of issues around certificate requirements and if these will apply to them. A well-informed traveller will understand that, although important, vaccines do not remove the need for precautions with food, water, insect bites and activities that increase risk. Routine immunisations and those recommended for special risk groups should not be neglected in favour of more rare and exotic vaccines. This article focuses on indications for travel vaccines only.